by Sharon Kay
“I can fix that. Come on.” Melixa got up and tugged Saige to the door.
“Wait, you’re not going to conjure me a suit are you?” After what she’d seen of the witch’s skills, she’d believe it.
“No, silly.” Melixa laughed. “I’m taking you to my room. I have extra, and they’re cuter than the suits that we stock in the pool area.”
Tanner wrapped up his second run on the outdoor obstacle course with Raul. They’d each won once, and this new configuration was a bitch. Caine, who designed the layouts, was getting more devious.
“Shit, man, I am done.” Raul grunted and took a big gulp of water. “I could sleep for three days.”
“Yeah, I’m gonna head down to the gym for bit.” Tanner said.
“Dude, you’ve been working out like around the clock lately. What gives?”
What gives? Oh, just the memory of Saige’s pliant, willing body. Just her jasmine scent that hung in the air like a promise. Just her sweet laugh and brown eyes that held a look of adoration for him that she gave to no one else.
Then there were the cold facts. Her parents had been killed. She’d been kidnapped, beaten, forced to aid and abet criminals, unwittingly causing death of innocent men. She’d been manipulated, taunted, and repeatedly made to lose consciousness.
And she was only twenty-five. So damn young. Most Lash lived for centuries.
He couldn’t rush her into more than she was ready for. Yeah, the night at Hades had been so hot, the memory made him regularly wake up hard and wanting her. But she’d had her seasonal lust to deal with, just like him. What if that’s all it was? And sure, he’d orchestrated her rescue and she might see him as her savior-now. Didn’t mean it would last. Soon, she’d find her own place here at HQ and adjust to her new life.
Tanner shook his head and caught the water bottle Raul tossed him. “Just feel like I’m not done burning my muscles yet.”
“Or is it a certain blonde you’re not done with?” Raul’s dark eyes sparked with mirth. “She’s cute, and some of the guys have been asking what’s going on between her and you. If you’re not with her, then…” he shrugged, “they’re definitely interested.”
A rumble of possessiveness started low in Tanner’s chest. “Still figuring that out. She’s been through hell, man.”
Raul threw up his hands. “I know. I saw it. I’m just sayin’.”
“Yeah, yeah. Whatever. I’m going downstairs.” Tanner stalked into the building and jogged down the steps to the lower level.
The ever present scent of chlorine hit him as soon as he pulled open the heavy metal door. The pool was in its own room, off to one side, with a concrete and glass block wall separating it from the rest of the space. And hanging in the air, potent like a shot to his groin, was Saige’s scent.
She was here? He stepped close to the glass blocks, but their thick waves only revealed that one person swam inside. He couldn’t see who. He pulled open the door and entered but didn’t walk far in, sticking close to the wall.
He was met with the sight of long legs and a bikini clad ass as she cruised down the lane in a strong freestyle. The pale, nearly naked skin of her back tempted him. No one else was here. His cock hardened.
Tanner reached over and locked the door. He stripped off his T-shirt and shoes, leaving only his track pants. He wasn’t taking one extra second to change into his board shorts.
Then he slipped into the water at the end opposite her, sinking low. She hadn’t noticed him, and he admired her from below the surface as she churned back toward him. Her lithe body rotated slightly side to side as her arms and shoulders pulled her forward. Gods, she was beautiful.
He shifted to her lane and stood against the wall, loving the surprise in her eyes as she glanced up and saw him. She was going too fast to stop, so he caught her against him.
“Tanner!” She rested her hands on his biceps as she caught her breath. “I didn’t know you were here.”
“Ditto.” He tracked the rosy flush that spread from her throat, down to breasts cradled in a black bikini top. Those sexy curves filled his dreams.
She dipped her head back without letting go of him. Good, because he needed to touch her.
“I actually hoped to run into you,” she said.
“What? Here?” He frowned, remembering Raul’s comment about other males. “You could have run into anyone in here.”
“Yeah, why not?” She tilted her head.
Because I don’t want any other males to see this much of your skin. Shit, the last thing he should do was act all Neanderthal on her. “Uh, well, you don’t know exactly when I’ll be here. And I see you every day.”
She kicked her legs gently under the water, brushing against his. “I know, and I like it.” Her brown eyes swirled with amber. Lust and temptation. Gods she was killing him.
Tanner’s heart rate doubled. “Saige, I like it too. A hell of a lot.” He pulled her an inch closer. “But I don’t want to monopolize you.”
“You’re not. Everyone says I’m doing well. The healers, the witches. And Logan’s loving Watcher boot camp. He’s happy.” She bit her lip. “But I want more time with you.”
Holy hell. He pulled her flush against him, cupping her ass. His cock strained in his pants. “I want that too, Saige. One time with you wasn’t enough.”
She whimpered and rubbed her center against him. “I was afraid you didn’t want me like that. Now that the season is over.”
Didn’t want her? “Hell, Saige, I want you all the damn time. You feel that?” He flexed against the juncture of her thighs.
She nodded. “Mmm.”
“But you’ve been through so much. More than a lot of people could handle. I don’t want to take advantage of you. And I don’t know how much longer I can stay away.” On a deeper level, he recognized the connection that had hovered around the edges of his mind but that he couldn’t rationally explain. “I want you. I want to protect you, to keep you close. All the time. Are you ready for that, Saige?”
“Yes,” she whispered, lips inches from his. “I want to be with you, all the time. I love it here, but it feels incomplete, somehow. I love the times you visit me, but I wish it was more. I know you’re busy, your team has missions and stuff, but…” she dropped her gaze to his lips. “When you’re here, I don’t feel like sharing.”
The last thread of his restraint snapped. His mouth covered hers and he kissed her with all the force of his longing. She melted into him, winding her arms around his neck.
Her scent invaded his nose, her wet body slicking against him. With the water’s buoyancy supporting her, he slid his hands up her back and then down to her hips, caressing over the tiny scrap of fabric. Every inch of her was perfect. He set her up on the deck. “Chair.” He grunted, and hoisted himself up from the water.
“But the door-”
“I locked it.” He grabbed her hand and pulled her to the nearest chaise lounge. He sat sideways on it, and stood her in front of him. Leaning forward, he placed a kiss to her smooth belly.
She ran her hands through his hair and sighed. “I want you, Tanner.”
Flicking a glance to her eyes, the glow of lust they held banished any reason to hold back. “Good.” He yanked her swim bottom down, drawing in a breath at her bare, soft skin. “You are so beautiful.” He couldn’t resist. Leaning close, he kissed her mound, licking down lower, teasing her.
Her hands clenched fistfuls of his hair, sending sharp pleasure-pain through him. She propped one foot on the lounger, further exposing herself to him. The spicy sweet fragrance of her arousal pierced the air and a primal force ripped through him at her obvious need. A need only he could fill. Only he would ever fill.
He couldn’t stop to process where that thought came from. Not when she rocked against his mouth, seeking more. A flash of black hit the floor, and he recognized her top. Hell. His cock throbbed.
“Tanner, I need more.”
Her breathy words drew his attention up to her pert b
reasts, gleaming with water. Pink nipples stood taut as liquid coursed down in a path he wanted to mimic with his tongue. He slid his hands up to cup her and her whole body jerked.
He scooted back on the lounger, giving her room, and freed his aching cock from his soaked track pants. She licked her lips, licked those sweet, kissable, fuckable lips, and reached for him.
Stopping her, he guided her hand to his shoulder. “Baby, if you touch me, this’ll be over too soon.”
She nodded and centered herself above him, brushing her heat along his swollen tip, coating him with her desire.
He groaned, loving the sweet torture, but he couldn’t help rocking up into her. He knew what her body felt like, how it welcomed him. And gods, he couldn’t wait another second.
Grabbing her hips, he pulled her down. She let out a sexy, adorable purr as she took all of him, leaning back to accommodate him to the hilt.
Mine. The thought pulsed in his heart just like his cock pulsed in her heat. She responded with a squeeze of her inner muscles, then began moving her body in a perfect undulating rhythm.
“That’s it, Saige,” he whispered, skating his hands up her torso. The firm tips of her breasts begged for his touch and he rolled her nipples gently. “So hard for me.”
She moaned and her pace quickened. And through it all, her voice echoed in his head. Gods, yes. I need him. I love him.
What the hell? But her tight walls gripped him, making him forget everything. Almost. She felt too good, he wasn’t going to last. He drew one pebbled tip into his mouth and swirled, and she came with a soft cry. Her hips rocked frantically, seeking more, pulling him over into his orgasm.
She wrapped her arms around him, trembling and out of breath. “Oh my gods, Tanner.” She dotted kisses along his shoulder. “I missed that.”
Mine. You’re mine. If he had his way, she’d never miss that again.
She straightened to look at him, brown eyes wide. “Did you say something?”
“Hell,” he murmured in wonder, caressing her jaw. Impossible pieces clicked into place. It couldn’t be. “Only in my mind.”
“But I heard it. You said ‘You’re mine.’ I mean, you thought it. Right?”
“I did. And I also heard your voice in my head. Saige.” He kissed her lips. “Do you know what this means?”
Her jaw dropped. “Oh, wow. We’re…”
“You’re my mate.” He kissed her again, barely believing the miracle.
“How can it happen this fast?” A small, curious smile played across her face.
“It’s been known to happen. One couple from my home town completed the bond in an hour.”
“No way!”
“Yeah.” He rubbed circles on her back. “They just knew, at first sight, that they belonged together.”
“That’s amazing.” She looped her arms around his neck and gave him a smile that rivaled the sun. “Is that why my power doesn’t work on you?”
He studied the glow of her skin and the curiosity in her eyes. “I bet it is. The bond wouldn’t allow you to take over my mind, even though it hadn’t fully formed then.”
“I won’t need to do that anyway. I can just project my thoughts to you.” She leaned close to his ear. “I can tell you exactly what I want you to do.”
“And I’ll commit every dirty little command to memory.” He squeezed her hips.
A giggle escaped her, the sensual sound full of joy, belonging, and promise. “I love you.”
Her sweet words made him want to pound his chest with pride. “And I love you.” He pushed a strand of wet hair off her shoulder. “Can’t believe I let you walk away at Hades.”
“Good thing you came after me.” Her brown eyes swirled with an amber glow as love poured through their brand new bond.
“You never have to be alone, without a protector, again. I’ve got you.”
Her lips met his in a tender kiss as their souls surged, binding them in a whirl of bliss and devotion. The mate bond enveloped them, an everlasting connection that he never expected to find, but now, couldn’t imagine living without.
THE END
I sincerely hope you enjoyed CAPTIVE’S KISS! Please take a moment to leave a review at the digital retailer of your choice. Reviews can be brief, and they mean the world to indie authors. Thank you!
C
OMING SOON
Book Four in the WATCHER’S KISS Series
Technology is Rhys’s friend. As a Watcher, he’s trained for any type of combat. But cracking codes and sneaking around firewalls comes as easily to him as a swordfight or street brawl with a predatory enemy.
Enza went to culinary school because kitchen appliances never fail her, unlike every computer she’s ever touched. Her fledging baking business is doing well, yet as streetlights seem to flicker with her changing mood, she can’t shake the feeling that she’s different from everyone else. But life as a regular Chicago girl is all she’s ever known…until one hot summer night.
Violence threatens both of them as her world collides with Rhys’s in a dark city alley, with consequences that will change their lives forever.
G
LOSSARY
Atropa Sword – a sword that many believe to be a myth, it is magically enhanced with one seed of deadly nightshade embedded in its creator’s blood. When used by him or his kin, the blade coats itself with nightshade (Atropa belladonna) poison.
Black lily – a plant native to Evena. Liquid can be extracted from its leaves and stems that if ingested, will provide temporary added strength, speed, healing, and sensory perception. Control of the plant was the cause of a war that took place four centuries ago on Evena between the Serus demons and the Kentini demons. The plant survived the toxic breath of the Serus demons, but many other vegetation did not, and neither did the humble brown bee. This bee was the sole pollinator of the lily, and the entire crop became extinct.
Bloodspire Mountains – highly treacherous and inhospitable mountain range
Carapace Mountains – a mountain range full of limestone formations resembling weapons
Cotton Creek – a village of peaceful pixies skilled in harvesting and weaving cotton
Demonish – The native language of demons, it has many dialects. Some are ancient and some are specific to a particular species
Deserati – A predatory humanoid demon. They have small horns on their heads and a whip-like tail that they can conceal with magic. They are all skilled at scrying. A small percentage can also control lightning. They tend to stick to their own clan business, but will get involved in conflicts if there is something to be gained.
Domu – A predatory demon with gray, ashy skin and yellow eyes. Most are seven feet tall and their hands are clawed.
Elder – Any old and learned member of a species
Evena – One of the demonic realms. Sparsely populated due to the environmental damage caused by war between the Serus demons and Kentini demons.
Fae – Includes several petite and mostly peaceful races like the wood nymphs, water nymphs, sprites, pixies, fairies, and elves. Dark elves are also part of the fae group, though they are bigger and more hostile.
Ghazsul – A grotesque-looking red skinned demon with claws. They have been recently reported to have an altered physiology that includes wings and the ability to cast spells.
Halice – one of the larger cities on Torth
Hellhound – A large canine breed that resembles a Neopolitan mastiff. Adults weigh over a hundred pounds. Used as guard animals. They have black fur, red eyes, sharp teeth, and are skilled at tracking.
Hota – Demonish word for grandmother
Hoto – Demonish word for grandfather
Ivydale – A village of peaceful plant pixies. Skilled at coaxing many different plant species to grow, the village has become an important agricultural hub.
Karishi – A deceased clan of warrior demons
Kentini – A species of predatory demons, most of whose members were killed in battle with the Serus
demons. The Kentini need only a miniscule amount of oxygen to survive
Khali – Demonish word for granddaughter
Lakewood region – A popular tourist destination, this region is known for its many lakes, including Lake Coriander, Caine’s home
Lash – A race of predatory demons who work to maintain the balance of peace in the realms. Able to summon balls of fire in their hands. Their eyes glow when they experience strong emotions
Ley Lines – Magical “power lines” under the ground that form a network that supplies energy for both spells and everyday items on Torth. Ley lines on Earth exist but are not as powerful
Makara – An undead race of warriors who were defeated by the Karishi in a battle near Ravenbane. Unable to avenge their loss, they remain trapped in a nebulous state underground, prevented from moving to a peaceful afterlife
Mate – A bond chosen between two individuals which lasts until one of them dies. The bond can occur between members of two different species. Once mated, the two can sense each other’s emotions at all times and can project thoughts and mental images when near. Each will also gain a lock of hair that matches their partner’s hair. In the instance of a mate’s death, it is rare but possible to mate again.
Neshi – A predatory demon with four arms and orange, scaled skin. Their skin is resistant to fire and will not immediately burn. They are excellent swimmers and can hold their breath for up to one hour.
Nihja – Demonish affectionate term for a girl